Through our web site, we hope to expand our communication links to you, the Orange voter. We hope that you will take the opportunity to contact us through this website and make your views known to us. As Republicans, we are committed to providing honest, open and responsible leadership in our town. Like you,we are committed to making Orange a better place to live, providing an excellent school system, lower taxes, and improved town services.

Important Dates and Links

The Town is finalizing our Town Budget. Mark your calendars with the following dates: Board of Finance Budget Hearing: Monday, April 27th at 7:30 pm. @ HPCC Amity Budget Referendum: Wednesday, May 6th from 6:00 am. to 8:00 pm. @ HPCCAnnual Town Meeting: Monday, May 11th at 7:30 pm. @ HPCC Town Budget Referendum: Tuesday, May 19th from 12:00 to 8:00 pm. @ HPCC

The Orange Board of Education superintendent search has started. The OBOE would like you to answer their short questionnaire. Click on the link following link: www.oess.org

Relay for Life:
Once again, Lynn Plaskowitz announced the dates for the BOW Relay for Life. It will be May 30th and 31st at the Orange Country Fairgrounds. I have formed a team called Republicans for Relay. If anyone would like to join my team or make a donation, please contact me. More news and links to follow.

While the weather service may have missed the mark on this past storm, it is always important to remember that in order for our public works crew to stay ahead of snow events, it is important to keep our roads free from traffic and parked vehicles. The more cooperation we get, the quicker we can get the job done.

Also, the Town does not replace mailboxes that are damaged as a result of flying snow from a snow plow. In order to protect your mailbox, you can use a piece of plywood, two 2x4’s and a few nails or bolts.

Please also take it slow as you drive. We may have only gotten 8 to 10 inches, but snow piles at the end of driveways and intersections can interfere with sight lines and the freezing night temperatures will cause any snowmelt to ice making driving a bit more of a challenge.

Orange Train Station

At its January meeting, the State’s bonding commission approved the funding for the engineering and design for the platforms and crossover for the platforms at the train station in Orange. While a private developer will be responsible for most of the construction, the project cannot proceed until the State electrifies the railway and builds the platform. I have been meeting with the private developer and the Town is prepared to begin the approval process for this Transit Oriented District. Once constructed, the Orange train station will be part of a transit oriented district with about 810 parking spaces, about 200 living units, and shopping and eating establishments. As soon as the State finishes its process, which is not expected to be a quick process, the Town will work with the developer to advance this project.

Community Center Renovations

Work has begun on the community center parking lot expansion project. The first step in expanding the parking lot was to install new lighting in front of the community center. The new light poles are not only decorative but they provide better lighting in the parking area. The next phase of this project will begin later this year.

Derby-Milford Road Improvements

You may have noticed that the repaving of Derby-Milford Road did not extend the full length of the road. This was intentional. We have applied for State grants to remove some of the curves on Derby-Milford road. We believe that we are in line for funding for this project. In addition to seeking grant monies, we are having discussions with adjoining property owners and evaluating how best improve the roadway.

Budget Development Sessions

The Town, the Orange Board of Ed and the Amity Board of Ed will begin the process of putting the budgets together for the fiscal year 2015-2016. This process is open to the public to view, either in person or on OGAT, to participate in. Ultimately, this process will result in the presentation of a budget for the residents of Orange to vote on. Please make every effort to get involved in this process.

The State has indicated that it will again be cutting funding to towns. Additionally, Orange’s population in the Amity student population has grown, while Woodbridge’s and Bethany’s student population has decreased. These factors will place a greater burden on us as taxpayers to fund our local town and school budgets. I am working with the boards of education and our local departments to control as much as is possible without interfering with the services we depend on.

Edison Road Extension

After 60 years on the books, the Town has completed the Edison Road expansion project. This road gives great access to 65 more usable acres in our light industrial area. I want to thank everyone for working with me to bring this matter to a conclusion.

Wolf Park

With the assistance of volunteers, the Town is in the process of developing two lacrosse / grass fields at Wolf Park. Over four acres have been cleared and the work will continue into the spring. The Park and Recreation Commission and the Board of Selectmen have held meetings on the development of Wolf Park and a comprehensive plan has been developed. We are also in the process of seeking a state grant to improve the access to the park

Municipal Taxes

Please remember that all real estate and property taxes must be paid to the tax collector by February 1, 2015 in order to avoid any interest or penalties. Payment can be made in person at the tax collector’s office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or mailed to the tax collector at 617 Orange Center Road, Orange, Connecticut 064677. Payments received after 3:00 p.m. will not be processed until the following day.